During the Humble Habits course weekly wrap-up chat, Mystie explained that our seed habit is picking a verse or a motto that speaks truth, and say that to yourself at least three times daily.

No beating yourself up for thinking the wrong thing. No mad scramble for the “right” verse. Just a focus on truth. Because it matters what we feed ourselves… physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.

Overwhelmed

Before I heard the wrap-up chat, I had thought we needed to find a specific truth to combat a specific lie or negative thought. So I began to think… As far as I’m aware (and I’m sure there are areas I’m not aware), most of what I think of as bad self-talk is about things I should be doing but am not. Such as, I don’t have time to, I don’t want to, I should do this but first I have to do this other thing, what will so-and-so think, I need more time so I’m not going to start, this thing (eating something bad for me, writing for two minutes…) is so small it doesn’t matter, I’ll do it later, my kids will fight me on this so we just won’t do it, etc,…

So then I was trying to think of truth to replace all those things, and furthermore I thought I should really have a scripture to go along with the truth (or be the truth), and then I got overwhelmed and didn’t do anything.

Keep it simple

So when Mystie said to just pick one phrase, motto, verse that speaks truth to us and then say that 3 or more times a day, I was so thankful for the simplicity and clarity of that suggestion.

I was then able to relax a bit and look at a few phrases that have been rattling around my head lately.

One morning I was praying that God would give me truth that I can dwell on, and I realized that much of what I need right now is wisdom for working with my children. The phrase from I Samuel 3:10 continues to come to mind: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” I’ve also been thinking about the phrases, “Do not despise the day of small beginnings,” (from Zechariah 4:10) and “My grace is sufficient for you” (II Corinthians 12:9).

I wrote these phrases down in a journal and also on our big chalk board in the kitchen. Sometimes I incorporate them into my morning prayers.

It’s been an interesting contrast from when I was keeping track of my negative self-talk to now that I’m focusing on positive truth. I think both have their place. It’s good to be aware of what you tell yourself. But it’s also good to think about what you want to fill your mind with. It will be filled. It’s our choice about whether we will intentionally fill it with truth from a God who created and loves us, or allow messages that diminish who God created us to be. What do you choose?

Excuses, excuses

I’ve been wanting to post something here for a long time now. I always have great excuses for not blogging. And there are legitimate reasons – school activities are winding up, allowing me to tackle paperwork and cleaning projects that I’ve been neglecting for even longer than my blog. There is something mind-freshening about checking off the long-neglected to-do list. But I think there were deeper reasons why I wasn’t writing.

What doesn’t go in, doesn’t come out

This week I’ve also been reminded that I used to listen to certain people and broadcasts that I haven’t heard in a while. Lately I’ve been drawn again toward some specifically spiritual podcasts and studies. I realized that part of my problem is that what I want to come out isn’t what is going in.

What I have been listening to is podcasts and blogs about this crazy homeschool mom life. And it’s good, I really need a lot of that encouragement and help. But it’s not really the main thing I want to talk about here.

Nourishing hope

I have been neglecting a part of me that I need to nourish: the part that finds hope in everyday life through Jesus. I need it, whether or not I blog. But I’m thankful God used my blog to help me see my need. I don’t think He was mad at me for listening to what I listened to, in fact, I think He led me to many discussions that were vitally helpful. But He is gently guiding me toward a healthier diet of auditory sustenance.

I don’t have to completely drop my homeschool podcasts in favor of spiritual messages. I can do both. It is healthy for me to do both. I just need to remember to keep both in the rotation.

What we put in our minds and feed our souls is important and will most naturally be what comes out. What are you putting in your mind? Is it helpful? Is it necessary? Is there something more important that you need to focus on in addition or instead? Leave me a comment. I’d love to hear what you are feeding your mind or would like to focus on more.